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Brain molecule found to protect against epileptic seizures

A new Brown University study has found that molecule putrescine present in the brain an epileptic seizure actually protect against them hours later. The scientists have found that putrescine ultimately converts into the neurotransmitter GABA, which is known to calm brain activity.

When they caused a seizure in the tadpoles, they found that the putrescine produced in a first wave of seizures helped tadpoles hold out longer against a second wave of induced seizures. Carlos Aizenman, senior author of a study, said further research could ultimately produce a drug that targets the process, potentially helping young children with epilepsy.

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